Helpful Tips from Warren Eckstein, Pet Expert

Disaster Planning For Your Pet

Your household should include a disaster kit for your animals as part of your overall disaster planning. This kit should include:

* Leashes for both dogs and cats.

* A health record of your pet's vaccination history, your veterinarian's number and address and any other pertinent information on medical problems. If your pets take medications, be sure to include a week's supply and rotate the medicine so that it does not expire.

* Food and water for seven days. Plan one gallon of water each day for a medium size dog and about a quart a day for small dogs and cats. Foods should be in sealed, watertight containers and should be rotated so as to keep it fresh.

* Carriers for all small animals should be readily available.

* Current photographs of all pets should be in the kit. This will help shelters identify them if they become lost and are picked up by animal control.

* Include a list of friends, kennels and veterinarians that your pets can stay with during a disaster.

* First aid kit, blankets, towels, muzzles and a manual can opener.

* Food and water bowls for dogs and cats.

* Plastic bags and a scooper for animal waste.

* Seven day supply of cat litter.

Other considerations:
All pets should wear a collar and an identification tag that give their name, your name and telephone number. Include an out-of-state relative's telephone number that can be contacted in case your local line is out. Consider having your pet permanently identified with a microchip. If your pet is lost, periodically check with your relative to see if authorities have found your pet and called. Post flyers/pictures and continually check with all shelters within 20 miles.

Keep your gas tank at least half full and remember to evacuate early and take your pets with you. If you have large animals, keep your trailer in good condition and stocked with appropriate foods. After rains, empty all containers so they will not become stagnant breeding centers for mosquitoes, bacteria and protozoa that can cause illness in your pet.

For more on Warren Eckstein and his pet tips visit: www.warreneckstein.com

Family and Friends - Ties that Bind or Blind....

For many transplanted LA residents, friends become family. But is blood still thicker than water?

Not necessarily - a friend family member here became family of my family. In a recent fall out, my friend family spewed our private disagreement, with lots of added drama and not so perfect details, all over my family - now, for many, that would be a no, no. Family member's can fight amongst themselves, say some horrible things, but in the end....well, they're your family. God forbid anyone else would say those things....right? Not always, blood can thin out to water - misery can love company. Juicy gossip? It can be a yummy temptation that's oh so hard to resist.

There's something to be said about the sacred bonding of family members. Family units, no matter how they're created, should be sacred places of trust and saftey. Your family should be the ones with the courage to say things to your face, not behind your back. Families watch your back.

"Like a sister" is very different than a sister. "Like a family" is very different than...well..family....No matter how a family comes together and is created, the main ingredients remain the same - love, respect, love, trust, love, protection, love, honesty.....love....caring...love....oh, and the ability to accept people for who they are.....and still love them.

Consumer Beware

Many homeowners hire licensed contractor's thinking they will be getting safe, reliable and expert help in building in accordance with Los Angeles Building Department specifications. Not always true. While there are many respectable, honest contractors, they can be harder to find. A Silver Lake resident had a licensed Silver Lake Contractor/Landscaper working on his home. This contractor walked off the job, didn't return phone calls, didn't return money and built a structure without requried permits. He's also involved with a partner in a different business in the area.

Remember, get everything in writing, check insurance and liability, check references, the Better Business Bureau and the Contractors Association. Ask for an actual business address, too many use PO Boxes. Keep to a pay schedule and check liability for undocumented workers who get hurt on the job. Sadly, many of the workers that we rely on get hurt and don't get medical attention. Some contractors list no employees and therefore don't have the same insurance requirements as those who protect their employees and consumers.

Get what you pay for and don't get burned.

ATTENTION DOG OWNERS

Do you walk your dog early in the morning between 7:30am and 8:00am? How about in the afternoon between 2:30pm and 3:00pm? WALK WATCH is asking dog owners to consider walking their dogs in the neighborhood of Mayberry Street School.

If you'd like to volunteer, email me at: addie.daddio@silverlakenc.org

Partnering People, Dogs and Kids!!!

WALK WATCH COMMUNITY MEETING

We will be having a community meeting for Mayberry Walk Watch. Keep checking back for the date and time! If you'd like to consider being a volunteer email me:
addie.daddio@silverlakenc.org.

Help keep our kids safe!

The Davis Project - A Huge Success!

Thank you to everyone who donated their time, money and efforts to The Davis Project Event this past Saturday. Your generosity helped us to raise a large amount of money to help a friend dying of cancer. Blessings on each and everyone of you!

Silver Lake Residents Work Together To Protect Our Kids

Walk Watch has received an outstanding response from the Silver Lake and surrounding community. Walk Watch is a new community group in Silver Lake to help keep our kids safe on the streets to and from school. After an attempted child abductionon Monday, March 20th, neighbors and community members have joined together to form a watch dog group called "Walk Watch." We still need volunteers to be on the streets in and around the Mayberry Street School from 7:30am - 8:00am and again at 2:30pm - 3:00pm.

For more information email me: addie.daddio@silverlakenc.org

Together we can make a difference!!!

The Davis Project

A reminder that The Davis Project fundraiser is this Friday, March 25 in Echo Park. The Davis Project along with the Film Makers Alliance are raising money to help a friend fighting cancer. Visit The Davis Project website for more details:
www.thedavisproject.org

Eric Garcetti Speaks at SLIA Meeting, Thursday, March 30, 7PM

Council President Eric Garcetti (CD13) will be the guest speaker at the Silver Lake Improvement Association Meeting, Thursday, March 30th at 7PM. The meeting will be held at the Russian Orthodox Church,Meeting Hall, 650 Micheltorena Street, South of Sunset
between Marathon and Bellevue. Light refreshments will be served. For more details call 323.664.4653.

EMAIL ME: Addie.Daddio@silverlakenc.org

New Street Lights Near Reservoir

LOS ANGELES (March 21, 2006) - Residents living near the Silver Lake
Reservoir can look forward to better lighting in their neighborhoods
thanks to a major streetlight replacement project expected to start this
summer, City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works President Cynthia M.
Ruiz announced today. "The West Silver Lake Rehab Project will
restore street lights and improve pedestrian safety in the Silver Lake
area."
Located in Los Angeles City Council District 4, replacement of
67 existing poles with new replicas will comprise West Silver Lake,
Balmer and Moreno Drives, Redcliff Street and Kenilworth Avenue.
Estimated cost of the project is $883,000.00. The sole bidder was KDC
(Dynalectric). Board of Public Works Commissioners is expected to award
the contract in either April or May, with start of construction
projected for June.
"Residents should see poles installed starting in June," said Ed
Ebrahimian, Bureau of Street Lighting Director. "We expect to complete
this project by March, 2007." Improvements will raise lighting levels
and increase pedestrian safety, Ebrahimian added.
The new streetlight replacement project will complement a
recently completed joint Department of Water and Power and Public Works
pedestrian walkway around the reservoir, landscaping, fencing and other
street improvements designed to create a safer environment for walkers
and joggers in the neighborhood.
The Department of Public Works is the third largest municipal agency
in Los Angeles. With more than 5,700 employees and an annual budget of
more than $1 billion, the Department is responsible for construction,
renovation and operation of public facilities and infrastructure,
including curbside collection and graffiti removal; recycling and solid
waste management; and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, sewers,
streetlights and street trees.
For more on the Department of Public Works, call the Public Affairs
Office at (213) 978-0333, or email: pao@bpw.lacity.org. The website
address is: http://www.lacity.org/DPW/dpwhome.htm.

Parking in Los Angeles....NO! Not in my lot!

My friends, along with the Film Maker's Alliance are having a fundraiser this Saturday night, March 25 in Echo Park starting at 7pm. This event is to raise money for a friend with cancer and no health insurance. (visit our site www.thedavisproject.com) In order to raise a significant amount of money we've invited 300 people. Now, where do they all park? That's been one of our hardest tasks to accomplish. People have been so generous and have donated money, time, goods, services - thank you...Yet,no one could or would help out with parking. We asked schools in the neighborhood whose lots are empty on the weekend and who let many events and organizations use their lots (these are not free, you have to pay and it's a set amount - we had no problem with this), they said no. The local Library said no (again, we offered to pay...) We asked drug stores with large lots, supermaket's with large lots - no, not there. We tried city metered lots (again, offered to pay....) and no not there....so where to?

After all the no's we were thrilled when the wonderful folks at Dodger Stadium said yes.......Everyone at the Davis Project wants to say a huge thank you to Dodger Stadium and their team for "stepping up to the plate" when no one else would. THANK YOU SUSAN WONG! There are more Dodger fans in LA because of their gracious generosity. Thank you to everyone at Eric Garcetti's office who also went the extra mile to help fill the need. Eric, Kabira, Shane, Roberto.....thank you for all you do, all you've done and all you continue to do!!!!!!!!! You do make a difference in the lives of other's.

It's amazing how much we can do when we share, are community minded and work together.

Walk Watch Sponsor's and Volunteer's Needed

I'm forming a neighborhood community group called "Walk Watch." As many of you already know, yesterday, a 9 year old boy was on his way to school at the Mayberry Street School and was attacked from behind. (at Benton Way and Reservoir.....)The boy was able to kick his assailant to get away and run home.


Walk Watch is in need of T-Shirt's for volunteers and we are looking for sponsors. Please email me at: addie.daddio@silverlakenc.org. We are also in need of community volunteers.

Sending a huge THANK YOU to those of you in the community who have responded already!!!!!

Mayberry Street School Student Accosted - Please Join Walk Watch

Walk Watch

Today, Monday, March 20, a student walking to school at the Mayberry Street School was approached and grabbed from behind by a man who tried to take him. This happened on Benton Way and Reservoir, a very busy intersection.

In an effort to keep our kids safe we are asking anyone who lives in the area of Mayberry Street School to volunteer for "Walk Watch." Kids attending Mayberry walk from Sunset North and includes Benton Way, Coronado Street, Waterloo, Allesandro, Scott, Resevoir, Berkeley, Montana etc. They also walk from Alvarado East. If you live near any of these areas and can volunteer in the morning before school or in the afternoon after school, please email me:
addie.daddio@silverlakenc.org.

Help keep our kids and neighborhoods a safe place - PLEASE VOLUNTEER!!!!

Free Trees from LADWP!!

Trees for a Green LA
www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp000744.jsp

FREE Residential Shade Trees

LADWP has made it simple for Los Angeles City residents to receive FREE shade trees through the Trees for a Green LA program (TFGLA). Follow these simple steps to enjoy the benefits of cool natural shade, energy efficiency, and clean air:

1. Participate in an online or neighborhood workshop

2. Submit your completed tree order and site plan

3. LADWP will deliver the trees to your home; you then plant and care for them.

Note: You must be an electric customer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to receive free trees.

Workshop Options

To receive your FREE trees, you must first learn how to properly plan for, plant, and protect your new trees through one of our workshops. You may either complete the workshop online or personally attend a workshop located close to your neighborhood. Please select an option below:

Online Workshop
(Approximately 20 minutes)

Neighborhood Workshop
(1 hour presentation/assistance)

Contact Us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call 1-800-GreenLA (800-473-3652) and select Trees for a Green LA or email us at Tree.Program@ladwp.com.

EMAIL ME: Addie.Daddio@silverlakenc.org

Animal Lover's/Activisit's Please Support Chief Bratton

Animal Lover’s and Activists - please take the time to thank Chief Bratton for taking animal cruelty seriously, you can call or write him via:

Community Relations:
150 N. Los Angeles St room 806 L.A., CA.90012
phone# (213) 485-4101

Keep this number handy to report animal abuse/cruelty:
Animal cruelty hotline: (213) 847-1417

LA MARATHON WINNERS - CONGRATS TO ALL WHO RAN!

Men:
NAME TIME PACE CTZ
1 BENSON CHERONO 02:08:40 4:54 KENYA
2 LABAN KIPKEMBOI 02:10:08 4:57 KENYA
3 SIMON WANGAI 02:10:35 4:58 KENYA
4 THOMAS OMWENGA 02:11:47 5:01 KENYA
5 HABTE JIFAR 02:12:39 5:03 ETHIOPIA


Woman:
NAME TIME PACE CTZ
1 LIDIYA GRIGORYEVA 02:25:10 5:32 RUSSIA
2 GETE WAMI 02:25:26 5:32 ETHIOPIA
3 LYUBOV DENISOVA 02:26:18 5:34 RUSSIA
4 NUTA OLARU 02:30:30 5:44 ROMANIA
5 IRINA SAFAROVA 02:34:45 5:54 RUSSIA

Volunteers Needed for The Davis Project

We are in need of volunteers for our fundraiser March 25, 2006 - visit our website www.thedavisproject.org. Help us help a friend fighting for his life. If you'd like to volunteer, email Adrienne at adriennebernier@yahoo.com THANX!!!!!

SLNC Executive Committee Meeting, March 22, 7pm

The Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Executive Committee will meet on Weds., March 22, 2006 at 7pm at the SLNC Office, 2898 Rowena Ave, Suite 101. Our new regular meeting date and time is the 3rd Saturday of the month, 10am at the SLNC Office.

The community is welcome at every SLNC Meeting and Event. The monthly SLNC Governing Board Meeting is held the 1st Weds. of the month, 7pm at Micheltorena School. Anyone can attend and if you'd like to have your opinions, concerns, ideas heard, just fill out a speaker card. We welcome the input of everyone!

If you're thinking of getting involved in the community and with the SLNC, our Arts and Culture Committee has a Co-Chair opening. If you're interested, visit www.silverlakenc.org, click on committees,then Arts and Culture. Meeting date and time will be listed.

Together, we can make a difference!

From Silver Lake to Silver Screen

What do Anthony Scarpa, Tom Camarda, Susan Campbell, Kyle Ingleman, Joey Gibson and Kate Clarke have in common? They all live in Silver Lake and they've collaborated on the film "Grace" to be shown at the Silver Lake Film Festival, March 25 and March 28 at the Arc Light. You'll recognize the location of "Grace" too, most of the principal photography took place right here in Silver Lake! For a peek at the trailer go to www.gracefilm.com and for more info on the Silver Lake Film Festival visit www.silverlakefilmfestival.org

Director, Anthony Scarpa, who won the Audience Award at the 2003 Silver Lake Film Festival with “Betty Blowtorch And Her Amazing True Life Adventures” (Cinema
Libre April 2006) returns to the festival with his haunting feature “Grace“. Scarpa teams with cinematographer Tom Camarda (Transamerica) in his narrative debut.
"Grace" is loosely based on Scarpa’s own life experiences and the events leading up to his sister’s death. It's a moving portrayal of a family coming to terms with a fatal disease and of a brother and sister who depend on each other to find strength. As Gabby remains stoic in the final stages of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), her family crumbles into infighting and reproach, demonstrating that it is truly easier to blame others than to accept the random nature of terminal illness. “Grace” is a raw, emotional journey that is both heartfelt and stirring.

The film will screen at the Arclight Cinemas on Saturday, March 25 9:30 PM
and on Tuesday, March 28 at 5:45 PM. The Arclight Cinemas are located at
6360 W. Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028. Tickets are $10.00 (general
public) and $9.00 (Arclight members). Ticket information at 323-464-1478.

Great News from SLNC Governing Board Member Elizabeth Bougart-Sharkov

Elizabeth Bougart-Sharkov works incredibly hard for Silver Lake and surrounding Communities. Under her leadership, the work and accomplishments of the Urban Design and Preservation Committee are many and their reach is vast. I'm proud to serve on the SLNC Governing Board with Elizabeth. One of the most recent accomplishments of this amazing committee is detailed in a letter from Elizabeth to the Community - Here it is to share with you:


Dear Neighbors, Colleages on the SLNC Board and beloved UD&P committee members,

It has been a fantastic day for our community today!

The Schindler’s house on 944 Matlman was designated a Historic and Cultural Monument
by the Cultural Heritage Commission.

Something I would like to let you know – it has been a close to two years battle –
first to avoid a proposed inappropriate development and later, during the course of
research and digging through history and left intact documents, we made this
tremendous discovery that this structure has been designed by young Rudolph A.
Schindler and built according to his plans. It is a stepping stone in terms of
using cast concrete as a structural and architectural element in the architectural
practice history, something which has became an universal trend all over the Globe
later on.

Now, I need to tell you that this historic victory would not be our celebration and
joy today without the personal involvement of our Councilmember and recently Council
President Eric Garcetti! Eric's support was crucial and he even took the time away
from his hectic schedule today to appear and testify in person before the CHC in
support of this designation!

THANK YOU ERIC! We appreciate it tremendously!

Another community battle ended victorious today – The “Brown Derby” on Los Feliz Blvd. and Hillhurst received a Cultural Monument status as well. It will be protected for the generations to come.

WHAT A DAY – it leaves all of us proud and makes the struggle insignificant – most
of all, it feels right! I wanted to share the joy with you all.

All the best,

Elizabeth Bougart-Sharkov
--
SLNC Governing Board Member,
Representative At-Large
Chair Urban Design & Preservation
Advisory Committee
2898 Rowena Ave. Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90039
323-662-4741
sharkov@silverlakenc.org
http://www.silverlakenc.org

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!!!!!

St. Patrick's Day
March 17
Aye lads and lassies, don't ya' forget to wear the green today. Today is St. Patrick's Day! On March 17, Irish and Irish Americans commemorate the death, as legend has it, of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who died on March 17, around 492. But mainly, people today honor Irish heritage and its rich culture and traditions. Cities all over the U.S. celebrate with parades and festivities. The most famous of these annual festival traditions includes the Boston parade, with its first parade in 1737; the New York City parade, which began in 1762; and the Savannah, Georgia, parade which started in 1812. What do you do to honor Irish tradition? Wear green? Look for four-leaf clovers? Sing Irish songs? Irish American heritage has become an important part of American culture. In song, festivity, appearance and company, Americans of all ethnicities are celebrating St. Patrick's Day!

SLNC Outreach Committee Hits the Streets

This Sunday, while many of you are running the LA Marathon, members of the SLNC Outreach Committee will be doing their part walking the streets of Region 3. The SLNC has a board vacancy in Region 3 (see post below) and will be knocking on doors to talk with you and answer any questions you may have.

So, if you see Doug, Jens, Genelle or any of the other SLNC Members out the there, stop and say hi - and maybe offer them a little water too.

Los Feliz Brown Derby Update

To keep you up-to-date on the fate of the Historic Brown Derby in Los Feliz, go to the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council website www.GGPNC.org. If you click on Meeting Calendar, you will have links to the latest info. Thank you to all the folks who turned out for the many important meetings to help save this landmark site!

www.rehearsals.com

Mayberry Street School PTA

Mayberry Street School is looking for Bi-lingual parents in the Mayberry District to get involved with their PTA. If you'd like to help the kids at Mayberry Street School, email Pilar at maripili@sbcglobal.net. Make a difference in the life of a child.

Silver Lake Neighborhood Council

Visit the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council website for a look at who the SLNC is and what the SLNC is doing. Working for our community, the SLNC needs your input, involvement, thoughts and comments. Help us set a new standard for local politics by being part of a process to promote better leadership, communication and participation. Help us change the status quo -
www.silverlakenc.org.

LA Marathon Street Closings - FYI

Here's the link to find out which streets are closed during the LA Marathon. Don't forget, you can dontate to Team Wilwoodwoods too!!!!!! www.wildwoodsfoundation.org

http://www.lamarathon.com/streetclosures.php

Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Board Vacany

REGION 3 STAKEHOLDERS- GET APPOINTED TO THE SLNC BOARD!

The Silverlake Neighborhood Council is seeking to fill a vacant board seat in Region 3 by board appointment.

If you're interested in serving your community contact the SLNC Secretary, Glen Dake at: gdake@pacbell.net by 5pm on March 27, 2006 or via fax (323-661-7564), letter, mail, or hand delivery to the SLNC office.

The Secretary of the SLNC Board will receive applications for the vacant seat from stakeholders at least 14 years of age. Candidates must provide proof of regional stakeholdership. To be successful, applicants must attend the April 5th board meeting and present at least their stakeholder status and a verbal presentation. Applications will be considered at this April 5th board meeting. Applicants will be presented for consideration in alphabetical order. Applicants must be present at the April 5th board meeting, where a stakeholder form, a candidate’s statement of no more than 200 words, a candidate declaration form, and a verbal presentation of no more than 3 minutes and up to 3 minutes of questions from board members will be allowed.

The successful applicant will be seated immediately if so voted by the board at that time.

Where in Silver Lake is Region 3? For map go to: http://www.silverlakenc.org/about.php#

Jens Kohler in the Kitchen

I had lunch today with fellow SLNC Board Member Jens Kohler (Region 2). We talked about one of my favorite subjects - FOOD!!! Jens has a great recipe for those left over stews and veggie dishes...his own version of Shepard's Pie.

Take those leftovers and put them in a pyrex baking dish. Add some fresh carrots, peas, celery - whatever you have in the fridge. Mix them together, make some good 'ole fashion mashed potatoes - fresh or instant (Jens makes his with whatever potatoes are in the house, leaves the skin on a la rustica) layer on top, dab with butter and pop in an oven at 375 for 30 - 40 minutes. When the top is a golden brown, dinner is ready.
Sounds great!

Jens and his beautiful wife Emily are expecting their first baby - lucky for all, Jens can cook!

Godzilla in Silver Lake

Godzilla makes his debut in Silver Lake on Sunday, April 23rd at 6:30pm. It's an outdoor film with lots of family entertainment. Julio Douglas of the famed Brite Spot and his friends will be hosting this fun night. It's an event benefiting the Wildwoods Foundation. Circle the date and we'll keep you posted. If you'd like to help out, volunteer, have an activity to share, let us know!

TheSilverLakeNews.Com

Want to find out about who's who and what's where in Silver Lake? Check out Michael Locke's site for Silver Lake - www.thesilverlakenews.com

Your Thoughts and Comments

Your thougths and comments are always welcome. Email me at addie.daddio@silverlakenc.org

LA MARATHON THIS SUNDAY - DONATE TO THE WILDWOODS FOUNDATION

Don't forget - the LA Marathon is this Sunday. Please consider supporting team Wildwoods!!! http://WildwoodsFoundation.kintera.org/LAMarathon
A great group and wonderful organization.......www.wildwoodsfoundation.org

The Davis Project

Join the Davis Project in helping support a friend in need. In cooperation with the Film Makers Alliance, The Davis Project is raising money for a friend in his battle with cancer. It's a sad reminder of the struggle many people face who are unable to afford health insurance. Visit their site www.thedavisproject.org. There's information on a fundraiser March 25th in Historic Echo Park, a silent auction and most importantly the story of the Davis Brother's.

Music Lovers: New Website Takes You Up Close and Personal

If you'd like to get up close and personal with your favorite musicians, then check out www.rehearsals.com. This innovative idea from Centerstaging brings you inside the hard work of today's top player's. They'll also give you the inside track on who's up and coming.....

North Silver Lake Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Wed., March 8th at 7pm there is a Neighborhood watch meeting for residents in North Silver Lake at the Silver Lake Community Church, 2930 Hyperion Ave.